Tag Archives: Javelin

In June this year, KONGSBERG proved their innovative capabilities by firing a remotely controlled Raytheon/Lockheed Martin Javelin missile from a PROTECTOR Remote Weapon Station on an Unmanned Ground Vehicle. The event took place at Redstone Test Center, Alabama, USA.

A TITAN Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), featuring QinetiQ UGV control technology on a Milrem Robotics Tracked Hybrid Modular Infantry System (THeMIS) mobility platform was used in the demonstration. Javelin and .50 caliber/12.7-mm machine gun were fired, remotely and wireless, from a PROTECTOR Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS). Video from the missile and RWS, as well as control and firing signals was transferred on a secure circuit over radio.

This was also the first combined Javelin and M230LF 30-mm Cannon firing from a single RWS, as the event also featured the Northrup Grumman M230LF (30 mm × 113 mm) cannon. The KONGSBERG LW30 RWS was mounted on an Oshkosh Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV).

This event is nothing short of ground-breaking. The customers have been consistent in their demand for wireless capability and for increased lethality like Anti-Tank Guided Missile Integration. Our ability to integrate our partners’ quality systems into common interfaces was essential to this demonstrations success.

The combination of a wireless and remotely controlled weapon system, integrated on an unmanned vehicle, introduces capabilities that will secure our soldiers mission and safety to an even greater extent, said Pål Bratlie, Executive Vice President Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS.

At DSEI 2019, the Milrem Robotics’ 5th generation THeMIS UGV integrated with a PROTECTOR RWS Javelin, will be displayed at the KONGSBERG stand.

Combing unmanned ground vehicles with modern weapon systems will bring disruptive capabilities to the battlefield. Milrem Robotics has experienced this effect already with several Armies using the THeMIS with an integrated heavy machine gun. Adding such a capable antitank missile as the Javelin will significantly increase the disruptive effect, said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics.

According to Forecast International, Georgia has received all of the Javelin systems it ordered from the U.S., the Defense Minister of that country said.

Georgia receives all Javelin missile systems

In a speech to Parliament on April 4, 2019, Georgian Defense Minister Levan Izoria stated that Georgia has completed its purchase of the Javelin and the system «has been delivered to Georgia». He had indicated earlier in 2019 that deliveries should be completed this year.

The U.S. State Department approved Georgia for the purchase of 410 Javelin missiles and 72 launch units in November 2017. A press release announcing the approval of the sale noted, «The Javelin system will provide Georgia with increased capacity to meet its national defense requirements». The systems will boost Georgia’s anti-armor capabilities, allowing it to better defend against enemy tanks and armored vehicles.

Though the sale was small – the State Department estimated the contract would be worth a total of $75 million – it demonstrated deepening ties between the U.S. and Georgia, a nation that has sought NATO membership for years.

Georgia moved quickly to begin procurement after the approval of the sale. Deliveries were already being reported by early 2018 and some systems were on display in May of that year, confirming that a contract was in force.

According to the Georgian defense minister, besides the sale of the Javelins, the U.S. has also been providing assistance in repairing and modernizing helicopters. He said that, in 2019, the Georgian Defense Ministry had allocated GEL23 million (about $8.57 million) and the U.S. a similar amount, covering about GEL50 million ($18.62 million) for the Georgian helicopters.